Malaga Weather Overview
Malaga enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate which has helped make it one of Europe's favourite holiday destinations. It is, after all, the capital city of Spain's 'sun coast', the Costa del Sol.
Hot Dry Summers And Mild Winters
The climate is characterised by long, hot, dry summers and very mild rainy winters. The city receives almost 3000 hours of sunshine a year which equates to about 300 days every year with sunny weather. However, Malaga is also prone to fog which develops over the sea and blows inland.
Spring Weather in Malaga
How Warm Is Spring In Malaga?
From March till May conditions steadily improve with increasing temperatures and clearer skies. It is as warm and sunny as an English summer.
The average high temperature climbs to 20°C early on, up to 21°C in April and 24°C in May. Night times remain cold, only getting up to an average low of 11°C in May.
Spring Sunshine Hours
The sea isn't quite warm enough for swimming but the sun comes out for around seven hours a day, jumping to nine in May.
Spring Wind and Fog In Malaga
Cold winds and stubborn fog can spoil the odd day but generally, conditions are more than favourable.
This is a great time to visit if you don't plan to spend all of your time on the beach. It's still warm, there aren't as many tourists and you can benefit from off-peak prices. Malaga is a big city, so it doesn't turn into a ghost town out of season.
Sierra Nevada Mountains
The mountains behind Malaga rise up to heights of over 2000m as you move inland towards the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Since these mountains lie to the north of Malaga they protect it from the cooler northern winds.
This and the warm seas that surround Malaga, mean winter temperatures don't drop anywhere near as low as they do inland. Conversely, the sea breezes bring welcome refreshment on hot summer days.
Varied Spring Weather
The weather can vary from year to year and heat waves or cold snaps can occur. 2004 and 2005, for example, both saw very dry winters while 2006 was the wettest for many years.
January 2006 also saw a freak cold period; temperatures plummeted, snow settled in the hills behind Malaga and a few snowflakes were even seen on the beach.
Late spring and summer are the most popular times to visit the city, Malaga has much to offer year round, irrespective of the weather.
Summer Weather in Malaga
How Warm Does It Get In Malaga?
Summer in Malaga runs from June until September. The average high temperature stays in the high 20s for the entire season, climbing to an average high of 28°C in June, and peaking at an average of 31°C in July and August.
This period can see temperatures reach into the 30s in the middle of the day, although low humidity and sea breezes offer respite.
Is It Windy In Malaga In Summer?
Stifling temperatures sometimes occur when the sirocco wind blows up from Africa. This wind originates in the Sahara and carries the desert's extreme heat and aridity across the Mediterranean. It can also carry sand, filling the sky with a haze and dropping dust on many of Europe's Mediterranean resorts.
Summer Sunshine Hours
11 hours of sunshine a day can be expected from June till August but September is sometimes overcast and only sees eight.
Is Malaga Foggy In Summer?
Any fog that develops during the summer usually disappears by late morning, but it can last for a few days at a time. This is also caused by hot air travelling across from Africa.
How Wet Is Malaga In Summer?
Rain is almost non-existent in July, August and June, but rises to an average of 20mm of rainfall in September. Rain in June is often nothing more than a light sprinkling while a few heavy thunderstorms are more characteristic of September.
Autumn Weather in Malaga
Autumn, in October and November, is still very warm but also quite wet. This is a great time to visit to avoid heavy crowds and enjoy a more active holiday.
Is Autumn Warm In Malaga?
The average high temperature is still 24°C in October and 20°C in November while the average low temperature falls to 15°C and 11°C respectively.
Is It Warm Enough To Swim In The Sea?
The sea remains warm enough for swimming till the end of the season.
Autumn Rainfall In Malaga
However, heavy showers can be expected on around nine days per month; November is the wettest month in the year.
Sunshine Hours
Sunshine levels also reduce but many sunny days still occur.
Is It Foggy In Autumn In Malaga?
The fog is a little more persistent though it develops on fewer days.
Winter Weather in Malaga
Winter is quite wet but also very warm. Malaga is known to have one of the warmest winters in the whole of Europe.
How Wet Is Malaga In WInter?
From December till February rainfall levels sit around 80mm per month falling on eight days in each month. While this still leaves over twenty days without rain each month it is difficult to predict when these will occur.
Winter Sunshine In Malaga
Sunshine levels get down to around five hours a day (rather better than London's one hour a day in December).
Is Malaga Windy In Winter?
Daytime winter temperatures can often reach the 20s when warm southerly winds blow from Africa and the sun comes out.
How Hot Is Malaga In Winter?
January is the coldest month but still sees an average high of 17°C and an average low of 7°C. At night the temperature can drop to freezing but this is rare. Snow is also uncommon.
The fog can linger around for days making the pleasant temperatures redundant, and the sea temperature is too low for swimming.